For adventurers who seek independence, sustainability, and a deeper bond with nature, living off the grid is an appealing lifestyle that offers the opportunity to be self-sufficient—to connect to themselves and their environment. But with so many locations to choose from, off-gridders must consider the best options for their needs. This article compiles ten states offering the best off-grid living experiences and provides beginners with factors to consider before starting your remote life.
1. Texas
Vast landscapes and sunny weather are the Lonestar State’s reputation. Paired with its favorable zoning laws all over the state and over 50,000 plots of land for sale, it’s obvious why Texas is the top choice for off-grid living.
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Rainwater collection: Legal, with 20-50 inches of annual rainfall
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Water sources: Colorado River, Rio Grande, Brazos River
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Solar energy: Tax incentives available
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Days of sunlight per year: 230 days
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2. North Carolina
North Carolina’s fertile soil and mild climate make it another top contender for self-sufficient off-gridders. Over 15,000 plots of land are available, particularly in the more rural areas. The state is also home to Earthhaven Ecovillage, a self-sustaining community near Asheville offering rooms for rent to those who want to test the waters before committing to off-grid living.
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Rainwater collection: Legal, though a permit is required to construct, install, or alter any non-potable water system
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Water sources: Cape Fear River, Neuse River, Pee Dee River
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Solar energy: Tax incentives available
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Days of sunlight per year: 210 days
3. Missouri
With rich soil and abundant freshwater sources, Missouri offers perfect conditions for off-grid living. Among the 8,000 plots of land available, the most affordable is centered in the Ozarks and rural areas. You can rent or buy rooms in the Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage, a sustainable living community in northern Missouri.
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Rainwater collection: Legal, with 40-50 inches of annual rainfall
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Water sources: Missouri River, Mississippi River
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Solar energy: Tax incentives available
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Days of sunlight per year: 200 days
4. Tennessee
Find peace in the lush forests and sweeping valleys of Tennessee, where 13,000 parcels of land are available in Tennessee. You can find the most available in the eastern and central regions. For the most affordable land and the most relaxed zoning laws, turn to the state's rural areas.
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Rainwater collection: Legal, with 50 inches of annual rainfall
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Water sources: Tennessee River, Cumberland River
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Solar energy: Tax credits and property tax exemptions available
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Days of sunlight per year: 200 days
5. Oregon
Oregon’s rolling mountains and diverse wildlife would appeal to any nature lover, but with abundant rain and a long growing season, the western region is especially appealing for off-grid living. Currently, 4,600 plots of land are for sale, with the most available land concentrated in rural areas.
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Rainwater collection: Legal but only collection from roof (not from ground or other water sources)
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Water sources: Columbia River, Rogue River
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Solar energy: Rebate program available
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Days of sunlight per year: 300 days
6. Kentucky
The abundant water sources and fertile soil of Kentucky make it a top choice for off-gridders to produce their own food. Kentucky has over 5,000 parcels of land for sale, particularly in rural areas where zoning laws are more lax.
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Rainwater collection: Legal, with 45-50 inches of annual rainfall
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Water sources: Ohio River, Kentucky River
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Solar energy: Tax credits and rebate available
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Days of sunlight per year: 200 days
7. Georgia
For those who enjoy warm, summery days and rich wildlife, Georgia is the state for you. 12,000 plots of land are for sale, and you should turn to the rural areas for the most land availability and relaxed zoning laws.
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Rainwater collection: Legal, with 45-50 inches of annual rainfall
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Water sources: Savannah River, Chattahoochee River
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Solar energy: No state or local tax incentives available
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Days of sunlight per year: 220 days
8. Alabama
With plentiful rain and a mild climate, off-gridders can comfortably live and produce their own food in Alabama. The rural and central regions have the most land available, as well as the most lax zoning laws. You can find over 10,000 plots of land for sale.
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Rainwater collection: Legal, with 56 inches of annual rainfall
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Water sources: Alabama River, Tennessee River
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Solar energy: Tax credits and property tax grants available
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Days of sunlight per year: 213 days
9. Arkansas
The “Natural State” of Arkansas offers a tranquil environment for off-grid living, with beautiful mountains and rivers. 9,500 parcels of land are available, and particularly, land is more affordable and zoning laws are less strict in the rural areas.
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Rainwater collection: Legal but with restrictions, 50 inches of annual rainfall
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Water sources: Arkansas River, Mississippi River
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Solar energy: No tax incentives available
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Days of sunlight per year: 200 days
10. Indiana
Southern Indiana in particular, is most suitable for off-grid living, with more rain and access to natural resources than other regions in the state. Over 9,500 plots of land are currently for sale, and the rural areas especially offer the most land and relaxed zoning laws.
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Rainwater collection: Legal, with 50 inches of annual rainfall (Southern Indiana)
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Water sources: Ohio River, Wabash River
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Solar energy: Tax incentives available
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Days of sunlight per year: 200 days
Considerations for Off-Grid Living
If you plan to live off-grid, there are several factors of your location to keep in mind. First of all, plan out how you will manage your day-to-day life:
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Power and water: Plan how to implement renewable energy sources to generate power, as well as sustainable methods of supplying water, such as rainwater harvesting.
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Food: Growing and/or preserving food and raising livestock are two options for producing food.
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Waste: Research the best waste management system for you, whether it be methods like composting toilets or septic systems.
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Heating/cooling: Some options for off-grid heating and cooling systems include wood- stoves, solar heating, geothermal heating and cooling, and evaporative cooling.
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Internet: Ensure that you have a connection to internet or cellular data, if necessary.
Other general factors to consider:
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Regulations and zoning laws: Research restrictions on off-grid living and land ownership, as well as any necessary permits for construction, water collection, or the installment of energy systems.
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Climate and location: Consider how weather and location will affect specific processes like energy supply—if you use solar energy, live in a sunny climate; if you plan to grow food, live on fertile land. Decide how isolated you want to be from places like healthcare and grocery stores.
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Costs: Budget for initial setup costs of construction, land purchase, and installation of water and energy systems, as well as the costs of maintenance.
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Community: Maintaining social interactions can be important for many, so you should research established communities that share resources and companionship.
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Safety: Be aware of any natural disasters prevalent in your region, and ensure you have access to emergency services.
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Lifestyle: Prepare yourself for the mental effects of your new off-grid lifestyle, which entails simple and slow-paced living. Research new skills you will need to learn, such as construction and survival skills.
Freebies
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Free Out of State Investing Training: https://www.outofstatemoney.com/
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8 Steps to Buying Out of State: https://www.outofstatemoney.com/long-distance-investing-guide
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The Remote Landlord’s Toolkit: https://www.outofstatemoney.com/remotelandlordtoolkit
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The Creative Financing Playbook: https://www.outofstatemoney.com/creativefinancingplaybook